The Williams Lowbuck Tools Metal Machine is the perfect choice for both the do-it-yourselfer and the advanced fabricator with limited shop space.
Last month, we took a look at the Metal Machine from Williams Lowbuck Tools and I have to tell ya, I was impressed as heck. As a matter of fact, I hit my local steel supply house and bought the material needed to build my own interpretation of Dave William's C-throat the same day I went by his shop and saw the machine for the first time. I just had to add the Metal Machine to my home shop's tool collection.
Now, for those who may have missed last month's column, here's a bit of a review: I previously swung by Williams Lowbuck Tools to meet Dave Williams and take a look at the selection of metalworking tools he's made his reputation designing, building, and selling since 1978. Shortly after arriving, Dave led me over to a corner of the shop and lifted a sheet draped over his latest creation-the Metal Machine.
The Metal Machine is actually a tool that can perform any or all of 10 different processes. By this I mean its one central fixture has the capability of being mounted with 10 different tool attachments (Dave calls them heads), each performing a different metalworking task. These heads-an English wheel, a planishing hammer, a sheetmetal shear, a louver press, a box and pan brake, a sheetmetal punch, a bead roller, a shrinker/ stretcher, and radius and angle-forming die assemblies-all mount to a large floor-standing C-throat assembly akin to a miniature English wheel. The really unique thing about the Metal Machine is that instead of purchasing a rather large and heavy C-throat assembly and having it shipped to your location, Williams Lowbuck Tools provides you with the main component, the master front faceplate, along with instructions on how to fabricate the balance of the C-throat yourself-saving Dave a lot of work, and you a bunch of money.
OK, now that we're all on the same page, today I'll give you a look at the C-throat I made using Dave's front faceplate. It's obviously not as professional-looking as Dave's, but I'm pretty sure it'll do the job and accept the tool heads of my choice from the Williams Lowbuck Tools selection (the louver punch in particular). So, take a look at mine, and then start planning your own because a fully equipped Metal Machine from Williams Lowbuck Tools is a perfect addition to anyone's hobby or hot rod shop.
Oh yeah, keep your eyes peeled, as I'm going to spend some time with Dave in the near future and have him show us how to go about using a selection of Metal Machine tool heads in later issues.
